Wildsight Elk Valley has released the annual Impact Report for its grocery store Local, revealing widespread success in promoting regionally grown produce and small farms.
Local has paid more than $1.12 million to small-scale farms and food producers since it opened in 2020, and 40 per cent of this money has stayed in the Elk Valley.
The report shows that over 1,000 customers visited Local monthly last year, a 21 per cent increase from 2023. The store was initially founded to help increase access to year-round locally-grown food in the Elk Valley and strengthen the food system.
The Feed the Need fundraiser saw continued growth in 2024. It raised over $7,200 to help low-income people purchase fresh and local produce, and distributed Local store gift cards in the Elk Valley, in partnership with Fernie Women's Resource Centre.
"Feed the Need is making a real difference in our community. The joy and relief we see in participants when they pick up their cards — this program is about more than food — it's about supporting dignity, well-being and community resilience," said Centre outreach coordinator Layne Leskosek.
Donations to Feed the Need can be made at Local or online at www.wildsight.ca/feedtheneed. Tax receipts are available.
To view the full report, visit www.wildsight.ca. Visit the 'Branches' tab, and select 'Elk Valley', 'Local Store,' and 'Annual Impact Food Report.'
